Speech. When does it degenerate from opinion into intimidation and threats of violence? In our history we’ve had times when that has happened and it’s happening again over the Israeli war in Gaza. Brutality breeds brutality, and the brutal Israeli response to the horrific and brutal attack by Hamas on October 7 is tearing us part.
Not that we didn’t already have enough to tear us apart as a Nation. The level of violence in our society has grown exponentially as we have forgotten how to express ourselves in any kind of civil fashion. But some argue that there are actions that do not permit a civil or nonviolent response. I disagree.
As difficult as it is, we cannot devolve into a Nation of barbarity, of threats against those who disagree with us or who will not bend to our will. The recent threats against council members in Bakersfield or a valedictorian at USC go beyond the pale. To become a society that solves its disagreements by violence destroys us as a people.
Prayer for the Day
Distressed by the anger we see around us,
We come to you, O God, to help us find peace;
But we know peace cannot come from our unwillingness
To address the deep divisions that result in violence.
May we find ways to resolve our differences in opinion,
While healing the injuries of injustice.
In the name of the One who calls us to reason,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union, or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated, where reason is left free to combat it.
Thomas Jefferson, Inaugural address 1801 (1743-1826)
Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.
Isaac Asimove, writer (1920-1992)
O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly, do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart;
Who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends.
Nor take up reproach against their neighbors.
Psalm 15: 1-3
Speech. When does it degenerate from opinion into intimidation and threats of violence? In our history we’ve had times when that has happened and it’s happening again over the Israeli war in Gaza. Brutality breeds brutality, and the brutal Israeli response to the horrific and brutal attack by Hamas on October 7 is tearing us part.
Not that we didn’t already have enough to tear us apart as a Nation. The level of violence in our society has grown exponentially as we have forgotten how to express ourselves in any kind of civil fashion. But some argue that there are actions that do not permit a civil or nonviolent response. I disagree.
As difficult as it is, we cannot devolve into a Nation of barbarity, of threats against those who disagree with us or who will not bend to our will. The recent threats against council members in Bakersfield or a valedictorian at USC go beyond the pale. To become a society that solves its disagreements by violence destroys us as a people.
Prayer for the Day
Distressed by the anger we see around us,
We come to you, O God, to help us find peace;
But we know peace cannot come from our unwillingness
To address the deep divisions that result in violence.
May we find ways to resolve our differences in opinion,
While healing the injuries of injustice.
In the name of the One who calls us to reason,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union, or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated, where reason is left free to combat it.
Thomas Jefferson, Inaugural address 1801 (1743-1826)
Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.
Isaac Asimove, writer (1920-1992)
O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly, do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart;
Who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends.
Nor take up reproach against their neighbors.
Psalm 15: 1-3